Suffering from Shoulder Pain? Here’s an Insight!

We tend to take our bodies for granted most of the time, and it is only when there is even the slightest discomfort that we begin to realize the importance of a particular joint, organ, muscle etc. Our shoulder is no different. It is the most flexible joint in our entire body; however we do not realize the importance of ensuring that our shoulders remain without harm until it begins to hurt.

Shoulder pains are most likely to arise with age or if your job demands vigorous or laborious use of arms, like in the case of athletes or construction workers. It is very important to address the root cause of the shoulder pain problem as sometimes the main issue is in some other part of the body which radiates the pain to your shoulder.

Therefore, consult your physician before focusing on treating your shoulder, as it may not be damaged at all. Diagnosing the core issue leading to the pain is the trickiest part and sets the course for future treatment.

Our shoulder is the most flexible joint in our entire body; however we do not realize the importance of ensuring that our shoulders remain without harm until it begins to hurt

If the pain is mild and bearable then it is wise to adjust your activities and see which movement triggers the pain. Once highlighted, try to minimize that activity and indulge in those exercises which may help you regain complete movement of your shoulders. However, if the pain is harsh and adjusting your sleeping position or activities is not helping in any way, then it is advisable that you see a doctor right away.

Rotator Cuff Issue

The muscle that provides maximum flexibility to our shoulder is the rotator cuff. It is this particular rotatory movement enabler which makes multiple everyday chores possible for us, and unfortunately the majority of the people end up developing anomalies within it. Something as trivial as brushing your hair properly, or bathing yourself, or even picking up a magazine from behind the table are all tasks dependent on the flexibility and mobility of our rotator cuff. Hence, there is no doubt that it is very important.

The irritations caused within the rotator cuff are usually of 2 types: one in the form of inflammation and the other in the form of tears. If you observe stiffness in your shoulder and find lifting your arm around to have become a painful ordeal, then you have most likely and unfortunately developed either of the two.

Any sign of irritation, inflammation, or compression of the tendons can cause rotator cuff impingement. Everyday exhaustion or even a slight injury to the shoulder can cause it as well. If, along with irritation and inflammation you also feel weakness, then there is a chance that you have developed a rotator cuff tear.

The muscle that provides maximum flexibility to our shoulder is the rotator cuff. It is this particular rotatory movement enabler which makes multiple everyday chores possible for us

Usually, such a tear occurs in older people as the strength of their tendons attached to their bones weakens with age, which makes the shoulder more susceptible to injury. Younger people can also experience it if they get injured while playing sports or participating in any intensive physical activity. If you feel weakness along with unusual pain, consulting a doctor should be your top priority since a surgery might be needed in this case to treat it.

Calcific Tendinitis

As the name suggests, this issue is caused when calcium deposits embed in the rotator cuff of the shoulder, which can cause severe pain. Treatment of Calcific Tendinitis can vary as per the severity of the issue.

While some people receive treatment in the form of anti-inflammatory medication, many require surgery as well to remove the calcium deposits. The actual cause of calcium tendinitis remains largely unknown; however it is more commonly seen in middle aged people and also those with diabetes.

If you feel weakness along with unusual pain, consulting a doctor should be your top priority since a surgery might be needed in this case to treat the rotator cuff issue

Adhesive Capsulitis

Commonly known as frozen shoulder, the Adhesive Capsulitis happens when rotator cuff issues persist for a long period of time without receiving any treatment. It can also occur as a result of a patient’s reluctance to move the shoulder after suffering from pain.

The condition itself refers to the situation whereby the muscles around the shoulder joint stiffen to the point of causing pain and hinder everyday activity. Physical therapy is the best treatment plan for such a scenario. The condition itself is more common in women than men and in also people with diabetes and cholesterol issues.